The Great Barrier Reef, which is the world's greatest nature reef, the total length is more than 2000km along Queensland's North-east coast. As the world's largest and most complex reefs, it has thousands of beautiful coral reefs and hundreds of continental islands. (GBRMPA, 2005). Apart from its natural beauty, tourism is the largest commercial activity in the Great Barrier Reef region, it is about 2 million tourists and 500 commercial vessels. (Brace, 2003: 98). By the marine tourism industry is a major contributor to the local and Australian economy. However, according to Australian research department, is generally of a reactive nature to site-specific problems such as the impacts of visitors on the Great Barrier Reef. (Hall, 1991:298). In addition, Scientists said today that the Great Barrier Reef damaged about 10 percent due to the tourism activities. (CBC, 2005). An example is the disappearance of the coral gardens, which has an impact on human activity because of the Great Barrier Reef's visitors are largely drawn to the area to experience the reef.

English: Striped Surgeon (Acanthurus lineatus) on ...

The Great Barrier Reef lies off the coast of Queen...

A scuba diver looking at a giant clam on the Great...

Therefore, this essay will concern the impact of tourism on the Great Barrier Reef has been largely ecological and economic.

One of the negative ecological impacts of tourists is litter and waste discharge. In areas with a high concentrations of tourist activities and appealing natural attractions, waste disposal is a serious issue and improper disposal can be a major damage of the natural environment. Although some cleaner boats are trying to clean the reef as often as they can, the visitor still ignores the litter in some place. Solid waste and littering can degrade the physical appearance of the water and shoreline and cause the death of marine animals.

Beside the waste discharge, some recreational activities are the significant major issue bad to the reef, there are several ways...